Merry Christmas & Happy New Year - from the Monterey Carolers

Christmas Sprit at Monterey, 2017

On the morning of December 12, the Monterey Yacht Club was invaded by twenty-one little reindeer, complete with antlers and red noses. Accompanied by three of their teachers from the Hope Rural School, the kindergarteners proceeded to sing a collection of songs with appropriate gestures to the delight of a standing-room-only audience.

The children’s visit, an annual event, was accompanied by a visit from Santa Claus, who just happened to have a bag of presents to distribute, as he chatted with the children one by one following their musical performance.

Refreshments, home-baked Christmas goodies provided by some of Monterey’s most talented bakers, are also a regular feature, and those in attendance did not hesitate to join in the line going down the table, attended by servers in red shirts, to spark up their coffee with cookies and cake.

Altogether this occasion kicks off the holiday season in a joyous, lighthearted manner to the great delight of the Monterey community.

Honoring our Veterans & Country

On the peaceful, sunny afternoon of November 11, 2017, one hundred fourteen Monterey residents met at the Memorial Walkway and Garden adjacent to the flagpole to pay tribute to their nation and the veterans among them who had fought and served their country in war and peace.

The crowd stood to pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, which was at half-mast in honor of Veterans Day. A wreath of red, white, and blue had been constructed for the occasion, and was mounted on a stand behind the speakers table.

Veterans were invited to step forward, and 16 were identified as having served in the U.S. Army, 12 in the U.S. Navy, 5 in the U. S. Air Force, and 4 in the U.S. Marine Corp. As each group was identified, a candle was lit to honor that service. Two branches of service, the Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine, did not have a representative, but were also honored.

A brief and dynamic speech chastised those in recent news reports who had shown disrespect to the flag and to all that this country stands for.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, as voices joined for "God Bless America," the evident crowd demeanor reflected Monterey's pride, respect, and love of country - a brief and satisfying reflection of patriotism to be long remembered.

Rocking Thru the Ages

Mostly playing the original music, but once in awhile singing along, the DJ on the stool brought to Monterey songs from the 30’s to today. Titled “Rocking through the Ages”, the program was a winner with the crowd, who, after all, had come to the Yacht Club to dance and have a good time with friends.

Random prizes were awarded, and it was fun to see that three were awarded at one table!

As an extra attraction, a booth was set up for individual pictures to be taken. Partygoers could buy a print to raise money for Social Activities, and many acquiesced.

Altogether, it was a party full of surprises and the good-natured fun of being with Monterey’s finest movers and shakers, while the music measured up to everybody’s expectations.

Restructuring of 5th Hole Pond

Bulkheads along the entire perimeter of Pond #5 are being installed to stop erosion and the collapse of the pond bank. The pond interior has been dredged to an approximate depth of two feet below water level. The dredge material is being used as backfill all along the outside of the bulkhead for stability.